It ain't over until it's over

The legendary wordsmith Yogi Berra was a player and coach who mastered the art of "coach speak". Yogi Berra's famous phrase, "It ain't over 'til it's over," was first uttered in July 1973 when he was managing the New York Mets.

At the time, the Mets were struggling, plagued by injuries, and sitting near the bottom of the standings in the National League East. Reporters were asking if the team’s season was effectively over.

Berra responded with the now-iconic line to express his belief that there was still time to turn things around. True to his words, the Mets staged an incredible comeback, winning the division and ultimately making it to the World Series.

Perseverance is illustrated in many places in the Bible; however, it is subtly illustrated in Mark Chapter 2. This is the event whereby Jesus forgives the sins of and heals a Paralyzed Man that was thrust upon him by being lowered through a roof.

What often goes unnoticed are the four men who carried the paralyzed men to meet Jesus. Mark leaves out so many important details.  How long did they carry him to get to Jesus?  What drove them to climb onto the roof?  Imagine the difficulty in tearing apart Peter’s roof (not to mention the legality).

These men were determined.  For them each obstacle in the path to Jesus was to be overcome through sheer will and determination.  For them it was not going to be over until it was over. 

Can you imagine their surprise when after all this work they listen to hear that the man’s sins were to be forgiven?  I am sure they were saying to one another “Who cares about his sins. We drug his butt all this way so he could be healed and walk!”

Jesus did heal the man but it was on his timing and for the purpose of glorifying God.

Likewise, in sports we get many opportunities to push through difficult situations and seasons.  We must keep before us the team goals and sideline our personal aspirations.  We need to recognize that it truly ain’t over until it’s over. 

Our faith needs to emulate the passion and determination of the four stretcher bearers who sought Jesus.  We too need to seek him with the same fortitude. Ultimately, it is God who is in control of everything and the more we seek Him and bend our will to His the more peace we will have navigating our time on earth.

As another season draws to a close, my prayer is that our athletes will look back upon the obstacles and setbacks and recognize they have played an integral role in making us the team we are heading into the playoff.  I pray they will praise God and see his hand on all that we do.